Best RV Dishwashers Countertop & Built-In Reviewed 2025

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Are There Dishwashers For RVs & Campers?

Missing your home dishwasher while living the RV life? I’ve got good news – you can have a dishwasher in your RV!

After years of full-time RVing, I’ve learned that compact and RV-friendly dishwashers are the perfect solution for life on the road.

These space-saving units are designed to work within the unique constraints of RV living, using less water and power than standard home models.

The trend has become so popular that manufacturers are now installing compact dishwashers in larger RVs right from the factory.

Whether you choose a portable countertop model that can be stored away or opt for a space-efficient built-in unit, there’s a solution that’ll work for your rig.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best compact dishwashers perfect for RV living, along with everything you need to know about choosing the right one for your camping lifestyle.

  • For Boondockers/Dry Campers: Kapas Countertop Dishwasher | #1_Kapas_RV_Countertop_Dishwasher | Perfect match for boondockers and dry campers, with its minimal water usage and flexible filling options. | View on Amazon
  • For Full-Timers: Edgestar Built-In Dishwasher | #4_Edgestar_Built-In_RV_Dishwasher | Brings residential-style capacity and convenience with smart features like leak detection and multiple wash cycles. | View on Amazon

Compact & RV Friendly Dishwashers Info

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ModelStyleMax WattsMax Water UsageSizeWeightLink
Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs, 3-Cup Water Tank,...Kapas RV Countertop DishwasherCountertop900W3 cups16 x 16 x 17.5 in26.4 lbAmazon
Countertop Dishwasher, Aikoper Portable Compact Dishwasher with 6L...Aikoper Compact Camper DishwasherCountertop760W1.6 gal17.1 x 16.5 x 18.3 in41.2 lbAmazon
BLACK+DECKER BCD6W 6 Place Setting ENERGY STAR Portable Compact...Black+Decker Countertop RV DishwasherCountertop1,100W3.3 gal21.7 x 21.5 x 17.2 in46.2 lbAmazon
EdgeStar BIDW1802WH 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In DishwasherEdgestar Built-In RV DishwasherBuilt-in800W5.2 gal22.4 x 17.6 x 32.5 in52.9 lbAmazon
Danby 18 Inch Built in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, 6 Wash Cycles and...Danby Built-In Camper DishwasherBuilt-in800W5.7 gal22.8 x 17.7 x 32.5 in56.2 lbAmazon

Reviews

1. Kapas RV Countertop Dishwasher

Portable Countertop Dishwasher with 5 Programs, 3-Cup Water Tank,...

Check Price at Amazon

My Thoughts

With so many compact dishwashers on the market, the Kapas countertop model stands out as a particularly practical solution for mobile living. At just 16 x 16 x 17.5 inches and a lightweight 26.4 pounds, it won’t eat up precious space or weight allowance in your rig.

The standout feature has to be its dual water hookup system. Unlike many models that require a direct connection, this unit can either connect to your faucet or be filled through a reservoir on top. Using only 3 cups of water per cycle and featuring a heating element that reaches 167°F, it’s designed with efficiency in mind.

Power consumption maxes at 900 watts per hour, with six different wash programs ranging from a quick 19-minute cycle to a thorough 89-minute wash.

While it won’t handle a large family’s dishes – and 12-inch plates need to be angled to fit – it’s perfectly sized for couples or solo RVers, easily managing a day’s worth of dishes including cookware.

Compatible with any type of dishwasher detergent and featuring a glass door for progress monitoring, this Kapas model hits the sweet spot between convenience and practicality for RV living.

My Verdict

For RVers seeking a no-installation dishwashing solution, the Kapas countertop dishwasher delivers impressive versatility with its dual water hookup options and compact size, making it an excellent choice for couples and solo travelers who want the convenience of a dishwasher without sacrificing precious RV space.

Pros

  • Very Low Water Usage
  • Low Power Usage
  • Lightweight
  • No Installation Required
  • Two Water Source Options
  • Lots Of Wash Settings

Cons

  • Can’t Fit A Ton Of Dishes
  • Takes Up Counterspace

2. Aikoper Compact Camper Dishwasher

Countertop Dishwasher, Aikoper Portable Compact Dishwasher with 6L...

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My Thoughts

Similar to the Kapas model, the Aikoper brings some unique features to the RV dishwashing game.

Coming in at 17.1 x 16.5 x 18.3 inches and weighing 41.2 pounds, it’s slightly larger but still manageable for most RV setups.

What makes this unit interesting is its simplified interior – instead of a top utensil tray, it offers a fold-down rack on the side, allowing it to accommodate larger plates up to 10 inches in diameter.

Like its competitor above, it features a dual water source system that lets you either fill the 1.6-gallon reservoir or connect directly to your RV’s faucet. The drain tube conveniently empties into your sink, feeding right into your grey water tank.

With a power draw of 760 watts per hour and water heating capability up to 162°F, it’s efficient for RV use.

One feature that really sets this model apart is its UV sanitization light and auto-open door function for better drying.

With five different wash cycles ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours, it handles everything from a quick refresh to a deep clean.

My Verdict

The Aikoper offers some thoughtful features like UV sanitization and auto-drying, making it a solid choice for RVers who prioritize thorough cleaning and don’t mind sacrificing the dedicated utensil tray for larger plate capacity.

Pros

  • No Installation Required
  • Two Water Source Options
  • Door Automatically Opens When Done

Cons

  • Can’t Fit A Ton Of Dishes
  • Takes Up Counterspace
  • Not Many Wash Settings
  • Heavy

3. Black+Decker Countertop RV Dishwasher

BLACK+DECKER BCD6W 6 Place Setting ENERGY STAR Portable Compact...

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My Thoughts

For those who want serious cleaning power in their RV, the Black+Decker countertop dishwasher delivers residential-style performance in a relatively compact package.

At 21.7 x 21.5 x 17.2 inches and weighing 46.2 pounds, it’s one of the larger portable units we’ve looked at, but it makes up for its size with impressive cleaning capabilities.

Inside, you’ll find space for 10-inch dinner plates along with a utensil basket and a fold-down side rack for knives and cooking tools.

The LED display on the door includes seven different wash settings, from a quick 45-minute cycle to a thorough 100-minute intensive wash. We especially like the child lock feature – a thoughtful addition for family RV trips.

This one packs the most power in our lineup at 1,100 watts per hour, and it can heat water up to 140°F. One thing to note for boondockers – it uses between 2.25 and 3.3 gallons per cycle, which is significantly more than some competitors.

Unlike some other portable models, it only connects to your faucet (no reservoir filling option), though it comes with adapters for most standard faucets.

My Verdict

While the Black+Decker’s higher water usage and single hookup option might not suit boondockers, its superior cleaning power and larger capacity make it an excellent choice for RVers who frequently camp with hookups and want the closest thing to a residential dishwashing experience.

Pros

  • Can Hold A Lot Of Dishes
  • No Installation Required
  • Washes Really Well
  • Gets Water Hot Fast

Cons

  • Lowest Water Usage Is Over 2.25 Gallons
  • Must Be Near The Sink To Connect To Faucet
  • Takes Up A Ton Of Counter Space
  • Heavy

4. Edgestar Built-In RV Dishwasher

EdgeStar BIDW1802WH 18 Inch Wide 8 Place Setting Built-In Dishwasher

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My Thoughts

For full-time RVers who love to cook or have a larger family, the Edgestar built-in dishwasher brings home-style convenience to your RV kitchen.

Measuring 22.4 x 17.6 x 32.5 inches and weighing 52.9 pounds, it fits standard RV counter heights while offering significantly more capacity than portable units.

This dishwasher really shines when it comes to capacity – it handles up to 8 place settings and can fit 11-inch dinner plates across its two rack shelves.

For RV use, what’s particularly impressive is its reasonable 800-watt power draw, which can be reduced further by using cold water cycles.

Water consumption runs about 5.2 gallons per cycle, making it best suited for full-hookup camping. Installation requires connecting to your RV’s freshwater line and grey water tank, ideally near your kitchen sink for easier setup.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the built-in leak sensor that automatically shuts off water flow if it detects a problem – a crucial safety feature for RV living.

The unit offers six wash settings with additional options for sanitizing, high temperature, and heated drying. Cycles typically run between 1-2 hours, controlled via an easy-access front panel above the door.

My Verdict

While the higher water usage might give boondockers pause, the Edgestar’s combination of residential-style capacity, smart safety features, and reasonable power consumption makes it an excellent permanent solution for full-time RVers who primarily camp with hookups.

Pros

  • Once Installed There’s Zero Set Up
  • Can Fit Lots Of Dishes
  • Lots Of Wash Settings
  • Extra Options Like Sanitize, Hi-Temp & Heated Dry

Cons

  • Difficult Install
  • May Not Fit In Smaller Campers
  • Must Be Connected To Freshwater Line & Grey Tank Drain
  • High Water Usage

5. Danby Built-In Camper Dishwasher

Danby 18 Inch Built in Dishwasher, 8 Place Settings, 6 Wash Cycles and...

Check Price at Amazon

My Thoughts

Looking for another solid built-in option for your RV? The Danby brings some clever features to the table while maintaining a similar footprint to the Edgestar.

At 22.8 x 17.8 x 32.5 inches and 56.2 pounds, it tucks nicely under standard RV counters and offers plenty of washing capacity with space for 8 place settings across its two racks.

What sets this unit apart is its temperature control flexibility – with four different temperature settings, you can really dial in your power usage.

This is especially handy when running on solar or generator power. Speaking of power, it draws a reasonable 800 watts per hour, with water usage maxing at 5.7 gallons per cycle (though you can reduce this in ECO mode).

Like other built-ins, you’ll need to connect it to your RV’s freshwater line and grey tank, so installation takes some planning.

The LED display and front panel controls make operation straightforward, with six different wash cycles to choose from.

My Verdict

The Danby’s adjustable temperature settings and efficient cleaning performance make it an excellent choice for full-timers who want more control over their resource usage, though like most built-ins, it’s best suited for those who regularly camp with hookups.

Pros

  • Once Installed There’s Zero Set Up
  • Can Fit Lots Of Dishes
  • Lots Of Wash Settings
  • 4 Different Temperature Options

Cons

  • Difficult Install
  • May Not Fit In Smaller Campers
  • Must Be Connected To Freshwater Line & Grey Tank Drain
  • High Water Usage

small portable RV dishwasher on the countertop in a camper kitchen
Countertop RV dishwasher in a travel trailer.

What To Look For In An RV Dishwasher

After years of helping RVers choose the right appliances, I’ve learned that picking the perfect dishwasher comes down to a few key factors.

Let’s break them down to help you make the best choice for your rig.

Size and Style

Your RV type largely determines what dishwasher will work best.

Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheels often have space for built-in units, while smaller rigs might need to stick with countertop models.

The nice thing about countertop versions is their flexibility – you can stow them away when not in use or even mount them permanently if you find that perfect unused corner.

Power Considerations

All these dishwashers run on 120-volt power, similar to your RV microwave or air conditioner.

For full-hookup campers, this isn’t a concern. But if you’re a boondocker, you’ll need to plan your power usage carefully.

Consider models with cold cycle options if you’re running on solar – they use significantly less power since they’re not heating water.

Water Usage

Here’s where things get interesting. Built-in units typically use more water (around 5-6 gallons per cycle) compared to countertop models (some use as little as 3 cups!).

If you’re usually hooked up to city water, this won’t matter much. But for dry camping, those smaller countertop units with minimal water usage could be your best friend.

Installation Requirements

Countertop models are pretty straightforward – just place them near your sink and either connect to the faucet or fill the reservoir.

Built-in units require more planning and work. You’ll need to tap into your RV’s freshwater lines, connect to the grey water system, and possibly reconfigure some cabinetry.

While not overly complex, it’s worth considering whether you want to tackle this project or hire a pro.

Weight

Don’t forget to factor in weight, especially if you’ll be moving the unit around.

For permanent installations, make sure to calculate the added weight into your RV’s GVWR.

Thankfully, most RV dishwashers are relatively lightweight – even built-in models typically stay under 60 pounds.


The RV Life Just Got Easier – Our Dishwasher Picks

After thoroughly comparing these RV dishwashers, I’ve found that two models really shine for different RV lifestyles.

For my fellow boondockers out there, the Kapas countertop model is a game-changer. Using only 3 cups of water per cycle and offering that handy reservoir fill option, it’s perfect when you’re watching your resources. Plus, you don’t need a permanent install – just fill it up and let it run!

On the flip-wheel side, if you’re a full-timer who loves those full hookups (and who doesn’t appreciate unlimited water sometimes?), the Edgestar built-in is your best bet.

It’s like having your home dishwasher right in your rig, handling 8 place settings with that smart leak detection for peace of mind. While it uses more water, that’s not usually a concern when you’re hooked up at a park.

The big takeaway? Dishwashers aren’t just for sticks-and-bricks anymore. Whether you’re tired of hauling water for washing dishes while boondocking or just want to spend less time at the sink and more time enjoying the RV life, there’s a dishwasher out there that’ll work for your setup.

Trust me, once you’ve got one, you’ll wonder how you ever RVed without it!

Remember though – just like picking your perfect camping spot, choosing your dishwasher comes down to knowing your style. Think about your power setup, where you like to camp, and how much water you typically use. That’ll point you to the right choice for your adventures.


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by Jenni
Jenni grew up in a small town in Idaho. With a family that loves camping, she has been towing trailers from a very young age.

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